Drug Name: Diclofenac
Brand Names: Cataflam, Voltaren, Voltaren-XR
Generic Name: Diclofenac (dye kloe' fen ak)
Uses: Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis such as pain, swelling, tenderness and stiffness. It is also used to treat dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods) and pain due to gout and cancer. Diclofenac works by preventing the body from producing the subtance that causes pain, inflammation and fever.
How to use: Diclofenac is taken orally two to four times a day for immediate-release tablets and once a day for extended-release tablets. To lessen stomach upset, Diclofenac should be taken with food, milk or antacid. To prevent irritation of your throat, remain in an upright position, either sitting or standing, 15 to 30 minutes after taking Diclofenac.
Side Effects: Among the side effects of Diclofenac include diarrhea, dizziness, ringing of the ears, unexplained weight gain, constipation, headache, gas or bloating, fever, itching, excessive tiredness, flu-like symptoms, rash, loss of appetite, lack of energy, difficult or painful urination, yellowing of the skin or eyes and swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs. Other side effects may include pain in the upper right part of the stomach, blisters, increased heartbeat, hoarseness of voice, difficulty breathing or swallowing, pale skin, back pain and cloudy, discolored or bloody urine. Seek immediate medical attention if these signs are present.
Precautions: Diclofenac may increase a patient’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke which may lead to death, especially if this drug is taken for a long time. It may also cause bleeding or holes in the stomach or intestine, which may develop during treatment and may lead to death. To avoid this, follow strictly your doctor’s prescription. In any case, seek immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain and weakness in one side of the body or slurred speech. Don’t take Diclofenac if you will undergo a heart surgery.
Drug Interaction: Diclofenac may interact with diuretics, quinapril, digoxin, insulin and oral medication for diabetes, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril. It may also interact with such medications as lithium, captopril, methotrexate and trandolapril.
Overdose: Signs of overdose may include vomiting, upset stomach, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and bloody, black or tarry stools. Call your doctor immediately if you experience these signs.
Notes: Avoid drinking more than three alcoholic beverages in a day while using Diclofenac as this may cause bleeding of your stomach. Your normal diet may be continued unless there are some specifications from your doctor.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible but skip the dose you missed if it is almost time for the next one, then continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Important Note: While taking Diclofenac, you should watch out for bloody, black or tarry stools or if your vomit contains blood as this may be a sign that your stomach has been damaged. Call your doctor immediately if this happens.
Storage: Keep Diclofenac in a tightly-closed container and store at room temperature.
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